San Juan Record Classifieds, Events, Businesses In Monticello, San Juan County, Utah

Feb 17, 2010 | 1946 views | 0 | 41 | |

SPORTS SHORTSby Scott Boyle

Number 71 will now and forever be a favorite number, I think. It will stick in mind and remind of one of those moments in life when things worked out.

Also it will be a reminder that life is full of ups and downs, adversity, struggles, hardships, difficulties, misfortunes, triumphs, successes, achievements, victories, accomplishments, wins, losses.

Such was the 2010 Utah High School state wrestling championships held at UVU in Orem over the weekend where local high school wrestlers competed.

And number 71 belongs to David Boyle, a nephew, who became the 71st state wrestling champion in Monticello High School history when he convincingly prevailed over a tough Altamont wrestler, Chance Goodrich, 10-0 to win the 119 pound division.

Number 72 belongs to CJ Cordasco, who earned a hard fought, dominating 6-1 decision over Justin Post of Rich at 140, with number 73 being MJ Wagstaff’s number, after he captured a difficult 5-4 win over Kalen Larson, also of Rich at 215.

Tempering the enthusiasm were the finals loses of five Buckaroo wrestlers, all in heart-breaking fashion.

Brian Robinson was pinned at the end after an inspiring effort, Colton Musselman lost suddenly in sudden death overtime after a thrilling match at 125 pounds, as did Ricky Wilcox in almost identical fashion, 6-4 at 130.

Adam Martinez took a 4-2 lead late into his match with Bryson Foy of Altamont, but Foy prevailed in the end to become a four time champion.

Tazz Robinson lost in heartbreaking fashion, when Dalton Smith of Altamont escaped with just seconds left to capture a 5-4 win. Wilcox finishes his stellar Buckaroo career with two seconds and two thirds in four years.Martinez has a first, second, and fourth in his trophy cabinet, while Tazz has second and third place medals on his wall. Altamont captured the team title with five clonish champions and four seconds. The Bucks grabbed that silver trophy for the trophy case, finishing solidly in second.

Bronco-Raiders

The Broncos saw five wrestlers place in the 2A tournament. Senior Jimmy Tate wrestled well, losing only to the eventual champion to place third. Senior Jesse Grover proved that experience counts when he grabbed fourth place with a 4-2 record at 285 pounds. Senior Benny Royer finished fifth after reaching the semis.

Freshman Dallin Jacobsen completed a great tournament with a fifth place finish at 103. He was 4-2 with three pins and one technical fall.

Junior Ty Hosler, at 3-3, worked his way to a fine sixth place finish at 125. Herschel Todachinnie was 1-2, while Jayden Squires, Russel Musselman, Jade Grover, Cooper Sharpe, Nathan Webb, and Trey McDonald went 0-2 for the Bronco, who finished 9th.

Travis Begaye, Terrance Whitehorse and Colton Lee of Whitehorse had 1-2 records in the 1A tournament, but failed to place. Terrel Whitehorse and Shawn Carter were 0-2.

Class

I have to make a statement about demeanor. All eight of the Buckaroos who wrestled in the finals handled wins or losses in nearly identical ways. All showed themselves to be unassuming champions or gracious second place finishers. Other wrestlers did so, also.

You almost couldn’t tell who won or who lost after each match. I like that. And it’s why I admire wrestling so much, which is saying a lot for this old basketball player.

Win or lose, you walk off the mat with your head up, shake hands with your opponent, the opposing coaches and return to your own coaches and teammates for accolades or condolences. All in front of the watching world, with nowhere to hide. You simply have to do it. You take what is dealt to you and move on. And it is inspirational, moving, and gratifying for those of us watching.

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